How to apply for home care assistance.

We understand that organising home care services can be a daunting task, and can be there every step of the way in your application for government funded home care services.

At Brightwater, we have helped thousands of Western Australians just like you get approved for subsidised home care, and begin their home care services with us. If you’re in need of care services while you’re waiting for funding, we can help you with that too.

Below is a quick and easy guide to help you get going. If you need any assistance with getting started, please call us on 1300 223 968.

1. Phone assessment

To access government funding for your home care services, you’ll need to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, to have an over-the-phone assessment.

My Aged Care was established by the Australian Government as a starting point to access government funded aged care services.

They will work out your needs and care arrangements, and determine whether you’re eligible for funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or a Home Care Package.

Before your assessment, we can talk you through the type of questions you’ll be asked and how to answer them so you get the most out of your funding.

  • Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP):

    CHSP is entry level support, subsidised by the Australian Government. It covers low-level support to help you with things like housework, personal care, transport and shopping. If your assessment shows you need CHSP support, you’ll be referred to the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for a face-to-face assessment.

  • Home Care Package (HCP):

    Home Care Packages are for people with more complex care needs and are funded by the Commonwealth Government. HCP are flexible programs that include services such as support services, personal care, nursing, allied health and other clinical services. If your assessment shows you need a Home Care Package, your GP will need to send a referral to the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), who will arrange a face-to-face assessment with you or you can arrange for our Engagement Coordinator to meet with you and assist with contacting My Aged Care.

2. Face-to-face assessment

Face-to-face assessments are conducted in person, at your own home. The assessor will call you to arrange a time to visit you, and you are welcome to have a family member, friend or carer with you, if you choose.

  • A home support assessment with a Regional Assessment Service (RAS):

    If, based on the phone assessment, My Aged Care thinks you suit the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, they will arrange for a face-to-face assessment by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS). You will usually find out if you’re eligible in the face-to-face assessment. The assessor will tell you what services you’re eligible to receive, or explain why you’re not eligible.

  • A comprehensive assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT):

    If, based on the phone assessment, My Aged Care thinks a Home Care Package is suitable for you, you will have a comprehensive face-to-face assessment with the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). After your assessment, the assessor will take some time to review the information and make a decision. You will find out the outcome through a letter, which will contain the decision, the level of package you have been approved for, the reasons for the decision, and a copy of your support plan.

3. I have been approved for government-subsidised home care services – what’s next?

All you have to do is call us once you have your letter of approval. Once we have determined the level of support you have received funding for, we’ll talk you through the range of services available for you to choose from. Call us on 1300 223 968.

4. I’m not eligible, what are my options?

If you are not eligible for government subsidised home care, you will be told why and who to contact for help. We can assist through private funded home care. Later down the track if your care needs change, you can request a new assessment by contacting My Aged Care.

Why you can trust Brightwater

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Holistic approach to health

We have an in-house team of health professionals, that includes nurses, physios, OTs and more - who work together to ensure you receive the best quality care.

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Not-for-profit since 1901

For over 100 years, we’ve been there for West Australians from all walks of life. With humble beginnings in Subiaco, today we provide services all across Perth.

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Responsibility for research

We are the only WA home care provider with a dedicated Research Centre – a hub of discovery and innovation, collaborating with national and international universities to find innovative solutions to improve the quality of lives of our clients.

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Dementia specialists

We were selected in 2018 to run the Australian pilot Specialist Dementia Care Unit, accommodating clients who would otherwise require care in a hospital setting and our learning will influence the whole industry in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions

View All FAQ’s

  • What is the difference between CHSP and HCP?

    The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level support for older people who are still able to manage living at home, but could do with some extra assistance. Services are prescribed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) and could include domestic help, personal care and or deliveries. CHSP is government subsidised, but there are still some hourly fees.

    Home Care Packages (HCP) are also government subsidised, but are for older people who have more complex needs. There are four levels of packages, as determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Each package level has different funding, with recipients able to select what services they want to use their funding on.

    Visit our Home Care section for more information.

  • Can I access services that are not covered in my funding?

    Yes!

    If services are not covered in your CHSP funding, you can self-fund for additional services.

    Those with Home Care Packages can use their funds for any services they like, and can also top up additional services using their own funds.

    For more information, give us a call on 1300 223 968.

  • How much do I need to pay for at home services?

    The hourly fee for CHSP is generally $15 an hour. If you are facing financial hardship, you may be able to have this waived.

    If you are receiving a home care package (HCP), you will pay a daily fee which is equal to 17.5% of the full aged pension.

    If you are not eligible for funding, you can also choose to pay privately for our services.

  • Is support available if English is not my first language?

    Yes! Let us know your preferred language and we will do our best to pair you with a Support Worker who speaks your language.

  • What should I expect in my ACAT assessment?

    Times can vary, but assessments usually take between 45 and 75 minutes.

    An ACAT team member will visit you to gather all the information, asking a series of questions about your day-to-day life and health. They may ask you how you're managing with routine activities and if you require help with them, what support you have from family or friends, what health conditions you have or medications you take, how you feel your health is and whether or not you are having memory problems.

    They'll also make sure you understand the process of receiving aged care and discuss your options going forward. After your interview, they'll talk to the rest of their team and make a decision about the level of care you are eligible for.

  • What are the different levels of funding?

    Home Care Packages (HCP) provide four levels of funding.

    Level 1 is for basic care needs, Level 2 is for low level care needs, Level 3 is for intermediate care needs and Level 4 is for high level care needs. If you have entry-level care needs, you may be funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).